It's time to get going

Well that's it - Challenge On !! I think everyone was surprised by my announcement at my party - all my birthday news is in my craft blog Aimetu's Stitching if you'd like to read about it.

I am hoping to do the first section of my London Marathon this coming Saturday - my lovely Hubby surprised me with a birthday trip to Prague and as you'll see in my travel blog, Aimetu's, it was cobbled streets, a little hilly and some walking. It was an amazing time, I am such a lucky lady but the first weekend home was a sofa few days for me and this weekend I've still taken it easy resting at our caravan in Wales.

My legs are ok - a few shakes still but I'm sure I can rest a little more this week. We are away again soon on a holiday we booked earlier in the year and I'd like to start my Challenge before we go. It is a relaxing hotel/pool holiday so perfect for recuperating.

My plan is to take a 9 o'clock train, arriving in London just after 10, I hope that's ok with Virgin Trains who have been so generous. It will take another hour to get across to Blackheath Station and a 1/2 mile walk before reaching the Official Start Line.

Technology is an amazing thing and thanks to Google Earth I have already 'walked' the route.

Google Earth view of Route 1 (red line)

I have found a lovely coffee stop after about 1 mile (it will have been further as I'll have walked from the train station too) I've contacted The Scullery Cafe to see if they will be open (and if they have a loo !!)

Most of this route is residential but there were some large buildings too and will be interesting to find out what they are. After a coffee break I am hoping to complete the other 2 miles with just a few pauses, no major sit down. My pace is quite slow and I'll have my late Dad's walking pole with me - he took it to the top of Snowdon and it has many badges on. I'll be covering it with ribbons in the charity colours and at the end will add a London badge.

Dad and his fellow Scouters on Snowdon leaning on the pole
 (1950s)

My first leg ends on John Wilson Street which actually leads to the Woolwich Ferry. We'll be heading east for another third of a mile where thanks to Google Earth I spied The Great Harry pub !! It's a Wetherspoons brand and will be a welcome rest, celebratory glass of wine and dinner before walking just a short way to take the DLR and Northern Line back to Euston and then the train home, where I think it will be a taxi home :)

Map of route with stations, start and finished marked 

I am excited with nervousness too - I know I can do this and I will do it but it looks a long way. One step in front of the other, chatting with Hubby and the finish line for Route 1 will soon appear.

I have not ordered the t-shirts, we're going to print our own - mainly because the cost of printing seems a waste, it's so much cheaper to do it ourselves so the extra can go in the fundraising pot.

Thank you to MS Society, Pancreatic Cancer UK, Diabetes UK and British Paralympic Association for their kind emails of support, pins, booklets, ribbons - Dad's walking pole will be a very colourful sight.

Thank you too to my amazing friends who have already started donating and before I have even taken a step the total is £75 !!

I will be taking photos and blogging about walking Route 1 - you can follow me on Twitter @Aimetu

Please could you share my blog and my fundraising page on your Twitter/Facebook page - it would be fantastic if my personal challenge could also help others - THANK YOU !